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The Importance of Standing Up For What’s Right

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5 Tips to Stand Up for What You Believe (With Examples)

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Updated on January 29, 2023

Standing up for what you believe in doesn’t always come easy, especially when you don’t know where or how to start. Perhaps, fear is holding you back, or you feel like you won’t make a difference despite your efforts.

However, speaking up and standing up for the things that matter to you is an important cause. By standing up for what you believe in, you make sure you get the happiness you deserve. Believe it or not, this can make the world a better place.

In case you need a little push, this article will give you some inspiration to advocate for what is right.

Why it’s important to stand up for what you believe in

The benefits of speaking up, 4 things you need in order to stand up for what you believe in, 1. stay true to your values, 2. keep yourself informed, 3. share your views, 4. engage in conversations, 5. take action, wrapping up.

In the age of social media, expressing ourselves has never been easier and more accessible than before.

With just a few taps, we can have a say on just about any topic under the sun, for all the world to see.

But more than random blabbers on the internet, today’s generation has used their social media platforms to advocate for causes that they believe in.

The #MeToo movement, for example, sparked a revolution among women who have experienced different forms of sexual harassment and hadn’t found the courage to speak up until then.

This study extracted Twitter posts using the said hashtag and found that, aside from telling their harassment stories, these victims also expressed how these experiences affected them. This led to more and more people forming opinions, discussing their views, and engaging in social activism.

Aside from finding kindred spirits, speaking up on social media also gives millennials a sense of power, according to this study.

Finding support and empowerment pushes people to express their authentic selves on social media. This results in something that everyone always hopes to achieve: to belong and to be accepted.

💡 By the way : Do you find it hard to be happy and in control of your life? It may not be your fault. To help you feel better, we’ve condensed the information of 100’s of articles into a 10-step mental health cheat sheet to help you be more in control. 👇

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When you say no, go against the grain, or challenge the norm based on what you truly believe in, you may face rejection or retaliation.

Of course, these might sound like unfavorable consequences especially when you’re fighting for something that doesn’t follow the conventional way.

However, when you’re in the right and you eventually pluck the courage to speak up , it can harbor rewarding results. You may:

• Get out of an unjust situation
• Get what you truly deserve (since you deserve to be happy )
• Give voice to the oppressed
• Bring people together
• Make a real difference in your community

It’d be a shame to not speak up despite having an opinion that deserves to be heard.

Whether you’re joining a social movement or simply asking for a raise at work, it’s important to take action when you get the urge to be heard and create change. But it’s not always a walk in the park to take the first step, so it’s crucial that you possess certain qualities to push for what you believe in.

Here are 4 values that can arm you in your crusade:

Logic – While our feelings may be the fuel that sparks our advocacies, being logical helps you to be taken seriously. Data, numbers, and facts will surely strengthen your cause.

Empathy –You may believe that you’re on the right side of things, but you must not forget to hear others out and put yourself in their shoes. This will allow you to see things from their perspective and give you the chance to strengthen your argument.

Here’s our article on how to practice empathy if you find this challenging.

Courage – Fighting for a cause isn’t for the faint of heart. You must be able to muster up the courage to face obstacles and consequences that may come your way .

Humility – When we’re standing up for what we believe in, it’s easy to get aggressive and arrogant. But, we must try our best to be humble in order to earn respect and get our point across.

5 ways to stand up for what you believe in

As we delve further, here are some tangible steps that you can take to be heard and give voice to others as well.

Having strong foundations in the form of your personal values is the first requirement when you want to speak up. It’s easy to get swayed when you put yourself out there and face disapproving views.

So, holding on to your principles is key to making a difference that counts. The other tips here will help you trust yourself and be confident when the going gets tough.

If you’ve ever been on Twitter and happened to click on a trending topic with a political nature, you may have seen various opinions being thrown out there. And, if one is not careful about expressing their views, they may easily be called out for spewing uninformed opinions.

This is why we should make an effort to educate ourselves on issues that we care about or intend on speaking about. The more informed you are, the more confident you can be in taking a side or making a stand. You are also less susceptible to disrespect, hostility, and rejection if you have all the facts straightened out.

It’s important to not just look for information that supports your opinion. It’s arguably even more important to explore the counter-arguments. Why would someone disagree with what you believe in?

When you’re properly informed about all the angles, you’ll be better able to stand up for yourself without being silenced by the opposition.

Once you’ve figured out where you stand on a certain issue and done your research, it’s time to express your views and begin your journey to being heard.

For me, I’ve found my passion in mental health awareness. So when I felt that I had equipped myself with the right mindset and enough knowledge, I started expressing my thoughts about the importance of nurturing our mental wellbeing.

Whether it’s on my personal social media platforms or through my work as a professional writer, I make it to a point that I’m sharing what I know and how I feel about mental health to advocate for a cause that’s close to my heart.

Once you’ve released your thoughts in the great vastness of the internet, be prepared to engage in conversations. Some people who disagree may troll you, but make sure to pick your battles. Only join conversations where you can widen your perspective, educate yourself, and maintain respect for each other.

Aside from online matters, having person-to-person dialogues is also important. For example, you believe that you deserve a promotion at work. Make sure that you converse with key stakeholders such as your supervisor, the department head, and your HR officer.

You have to be ready to make your case in order to achieve the results that you want.

If you want to take it a step further, getting involved on a bigger scale will help you advance your cause. You may opt to join an organization or even create your own union. Aside from simply expressing your views, you can also participate in protests, spearhead a beach clean-up drive, collect signatures for a petition, or reach out to your local government.

This takes serious dedication and commitment , but it will surely reap more rewards and lead you to make a difference not just for yourself but for a larger cause where more people can benefit.

In fact, taking action like this can have beneficial side effects on your mental health. For example, volunteering for something you believe in can make you happier . So whether you want to fight climate change by picking up litter, or you want to advocate equality around the world, you may be interested in actually joining others in your pursuits.

💡 By the way : If you want to start feeling better and more productive, I’ve condensed the information of 100’s of our articles into a 10-step mental health cheat sheet here. 👇

This Cheat Sheet Will Help You Be Happier and More Productive

Thrive under stress and crush your goals with these 10 unique tips for your mental health.

Standing up for what we believe in comes with a lot of challenges. But, if we stay true to our words and actions, then we’ll soon arrive at our desired outcome and even change other people’s lives for the better. If you’re thinking about speaking up and sparking change, this is the sign that you’ve been waiting for.

You got this!

Now it’s your turn. What’s your best tip on standing up for yourself? Want to share a story of how you made your voice be heard? I’d love to read it in the comments below!

Writer and advocate for young people’s mental health. Firm believer of validating one’s feelings, prioritizing the inner-self, and finding happiness in a plate of chicken curry.

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When to Stand Up for What You Believe In: A Practical Guide

We all know people who are very adamant (and vocal) about sharing their beliefs.  These individuals are not shy to stand up for what they believe in. They have Facebook feeds full of pointed articles, status updates, and pictures that support specific causes.  Whenever you meet them in person, topics generally go straight to those causes, and if you are even remotely argumentative, you will spend the evening having a debate. 

The world needs these types of people with strong belief systems standing up for what they believe in, fighting inertia and the status quo in the hopes of making an impact.  I applaud their efforts when I agree that their causes are ones worth fighting for.

I am, however, not one of these people.

I am a more moderate person by nature.  Although I love a good structured debate, life is seldom structured.  I hate hurting other people’s feelings, so unless I know a person really well, I tend to keep the topics more conversational than confrontational.  It’s not that I don’t believe in causes.  It’s more that it emotionally taxes me to argue with people, so I need to know that the benefit of arguing is worth the stress it will put on me.

If you find yourself in the same boat, here are a few rules of thumb that I follow before I engage in a cause.  In these situations, it has always been worth the effort to take a stand, even if it took me out of my comfort zone :

1. When you can set an example.

The best way to stand up for a belief is to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.  If you really believe in something, then don’t just argue, do something about it.  Attend fundraisers for awareness, get involved locally, and get yourself out there.  The bonus here is if you’re willing to put in the extra effort, then you know it really means something to you.

2. When the other person is on the fence about an issue.

If you have a strong opinion about something, and you know the other person is waffling, you have a real chance to make an impact on their decision.  The trick here is not to be too pushy.  We’ve all been on the receiving end of unwanted advice.  Try to always be supportive of the other person, not just trying to push an agenda.

3. When you know the other party will be respectful, even if they disagree.

Although controversial topics can bring out the absolute worst in people (e.g. name calling, insults, hurtful words), some people are just better at being able to focus on the issue and not make it personal.  I almost always enjoy talking with these kinds of people, even if we will never agree.  I get some unique perspectives as to why they believe differently than I do, and although that may not change my stance, it’s powerful to empathize and learn the motivations of others.

4. When you know you’ll feel guilty if you stay silent.

I make many of my decisions by the “regret rule” – if I know I’ll regret it tomorrow, then I should do something about it today.  Even if it puts you in a stressful situation today, you will live much longer with the regret that you could have done something about it (or at least called out others on their behavior).

5. When you’ve reached the point of “enough is enough.”

We all believe in lots of causes, but some causes rankle us more than others. I find that if I’m upset for several days and can’t stop thinking about an issue, then I’ve reached the point of “enough is enough.”  Then it’s definitely worth my emotional time to argue for a cause, even with complete strangers.  Standing up for that cause eases the tension and makes me feel I’m not being complicit by remaining silent.

What are your examples of standing up for what you believe in? I’d love to hear from you.

About The Author

Deborah Fike

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17 thoughts on “When to Stand Up for What You Believe In: A Practical Guide”

Unusual and interesting article. My comment is not so much about what to stand up for, but about how to do it. Always, and especially in these kinds of potentially argumentative conversations, it’s best to “own” your opinions. Merely start your spiel with “In my opinion. . . “. This might help keep you less stressed by preventing confrontative situations. And then you can more easily pursue being heard instead of balking when it comes to expressing yourself.

That’s a great piece of advice. It sets the tone and allows others to feel that they can also have an opinion, encouraging discussion rather than drawing lines and picking sides.

Great comment, Don. I agree with you about stating that our opinions are just that – our opinions – not necessarily the hard and fast truth – because goodness knows there are always several sides to every issue.

Julia Kristina

I tend to like to ask questions to find out why people feel strongly about certain things. I find that once they have been heard and acknowledged they are much more open to hearing my perspective on an issue.

I also like to preface my statements with “From my experience…” or “From what I’ve learned…”

Thanks for this article Deborah!

That’s also a great piece of advice, Julia, not only from a persuasive standpoint, but also because you may learn something interesting and new from someone else that might change your mind. It’s always good to consider other facets to an argument.

I tend to like to ask questions to find out why people feel strongly about certain things. I find that once they have been heard and acknowledged they are much more open to hearing my perspective on an issue. I also like to preface my statements with “From my experience…” or “From what I’ve learned…” Thanks for this article Deborah!

Hello Deborah,

Lovely article – thank you. I think we are much alike and therefore I am delighted to agree with your advice. I come from a family with issues of Borderline Personality Disorders which is very discouraging of open debates and discussions – bit like tip toeing on eggshells or even through a mine-field. Come to think of it, had there have been such things locally when I was growing up, I would have liked to have joined a debating society where the expression of different views was not just allowed but encouraged – such practises would also encourage the flow of conversations. Anyway, I won’t witter on, but just thank you and wish you well. Kindest regards.

Glad to hear that the article resonated with you. I had the wonderful opportunity of joining a debate club in high school, and it was a great experience. It would be fun to join something similar as an adult. I do enjoy conversation on serious topics, even if all parties do not agree, but finding the right people to talk to that won’t get offended can be difficult. Best of luck to you!

Great article Deborah, some really important points!

I especially like “The best way to stand up for a belief is to walk the walk, not just talk the talk”.

I work with people to help them form healthy habits, and one thing I always come back to is that ideas without action are just ideas. It’s what we do that counts, not what we say we’re gonna do!

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for reading, Luke! Like you, I believe one of the best ways to persuade others is to live by example.

‘When deeds speak, words are nothing.’ ~African Proverb.

Awesome article – it’s true that we all need to stand up for our beliefs more!

Instead of asking when you should stand up for your beliefs, I’d like to turn the question around and ask; when should you NOT stand up for your beliefs? When asked this way, I find it more difficult to come up with reasons not to make a stand for what I believe in.

That’s also not a bad question to ask. It sounds like for you, you are very comfortable standing out for what you believe in. That is not always the case for me. I can get over-involved in a debate to the point where I waste hours arguing, and in the end, nothing changes (other than I then go home and relive the whole debate with my husband). I find that picking and choosing my battles helps me balance standing up for good causes, but also not feeling that one certain cause (or one certain argument with a particular person) is bleeding over into other areas of my life.

Hello Deborah! This post hit a chord with me today. I attempt to be careful about what I post and share on Social Media for many reasons.

When I do feel compelled to post something that takes a very strong stand, I have one relative (totally opposing views to me on almost everything) who feels he must make a comment. No matter how conciliatory I attempt to be in my response (I have my views-you have yours), he always has a rebuttal. Sad, but I’ve now hidden him from my feed.

Thanks for showing real life ways to show your beliefs.

I’m glad this article was helpful for you, Donna. Balancing beliefs in social media is a very personal journey. I come from a very conservative part of our country, but now live in a very liberal area. I consider myself a moderate, but know people all along the political spectrum. It can feel intimidating to always have a friend or relative always interject with a particular opinion. You have to do what you feel is best to make social media work for you.

Deborah, great points. I do find myself torn at times to speak up about certain situations that I don’t agree it, not due to fear or ridicule, but like you mentioned, exerting the my precious energy to the point of an endless debate. I find myself making specific selections as when to speak up and simply keep quiet based on much of what you stated.

Great advice to keep us opinionated folks on the right track. :) Thanks, Hank

Great article! I actually shared it to my subscribers in my #MakethemostofyourMonday email :) I am very opinionated and usually pretty vocal about it but I understand that not everyone is. These are great tips!

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How To Stand Up For What You Believe In: 5 Essential Bits Of Advice

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Standing up for what you believe in can be a lonely, scary proposition if you’re doing it on your own.

It can be a solitary thing to stand up from the crowd and speak truth to power about a wrong that you feel needs to be righted.

Digging deep for the courage to make that stand is an admirable trait that we should all strive to have.

After all, that’s a way we can ensure that a message will be heard, even if the rest of the world isn’t prepared to listen.

Of course, that can also bring us hardship. It’s not always easy to stand up and do the right thing, even when we are clearly in the right.

There may be social or lasting repercussions that create difficulty in your life.

Many a whistleblower has come forward with critical information about how the powers-to-be were abusing their power and suffered for their integrity.

You need to go into the situation with both eyes open if you want to stand up for what you believe in.

You must be prepared for conflict and to have your life negatively impacted.

There’s a good chance that not everyone is going to applaud your effort. In fact, you may find yourself very alone, even among people you thought were your friends and allies.

How do you stand up for what you believe in? Let’s look at some general considerations that may help you out.

1. Do your research.

Research the subject matter thoroughly.

You want to understand both sides of the argument because it will empower you to more effectively engage the people that disagree with you.

You can formulate your arguments to be more effective if you understand why the other side believes what they do.

It’s also helpful to know if they benefit from the wrong. Greed and power are potent motivators that can push a person to align themselves in a way that benefits them. However, they may not be particularly passionate about it.

The internet can be an excellent place to do that research. You may be able to find groups of like-minded people who can help you.

It may also be worthwhile to join some groups that support the opposing cause to see what is going on in their world and why.

2. Look for the right opportunity.

What does the “right opportunity” look like?

Primarily, you want to minimize damage to your own life and maximize your potential to get the message heard.

It really is no good if you burn down your life to take a stand on an issue that no one’s going to side with you on.

Perhaps you work in an industry that has a lot of abrasive personalities. If that’s normal and you stand up against it, you may just find yourself out of a job with nothing to show for your action.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stand up for what you believe is right; just be smart about it.

Sometimes it’s better to stay quiet and wait for a convenient time, a time when you can speak up and make a meaningful impact on a conversation.

And if you are going to use the internet for that purpose, there are some additional considerations you may want to make.

Assume that anything you write on social media or the internet will be read by your boss. Are you okay with the repercussions?

Write anything and everything on the internet, text messages, messengers, and emails as though it will be read aloud in a courtroom. It may very well be if your actions result in legal action.

3. Keep your arguments short and direct.

The best arguments are short and direct. They are easier for people to understand, and they are much harder for an opponent to attack.

Disingenuous debaters may attack you as a person or try to twist your words into something that it is not.

If you can avoid it, don’t attack the person. Instead, attack the belief that you disagree with.

Attacking the person will elicit a defensive reaction out of them. It may immediately cause other people to side with that person out of defensive solidarity.

Don’t let yourself get pulled off the primary subject matter or into a pointless flame war that goes nowhere.

You will undermine your own point by engaging in mud-slinging with your opponent.

It is tempting to sink to their level and fight it out, but remember that their level is where they feel most comfortable.

They may be used to or even enjoy the kind of clash that disagreement will bring.

You’re not likely to win if you fight on their terms.

4. Leave them with the space to retreat.

Assuming that your argument is on the right side, the other person may realize that they are wrong and change their opinions.

Give your opponents room to retreat and change their opinion.

You also want to leave room if they back down from their stance or don’t care to defend it.

They may be unprepared for resistance, which will leave them off-balance. That’s a good thing for you because it doesn’t look great to anyone else that might be watching. That can help solidify your stance as the correct one.

Don’t pursue or hound the person. Don’t gloat over them to declare how wrong they are unless they keep coming at you about the thing.

Know when the conflict is over and let it naturally end when it needs to.

This approach leaves you with the high ground, which may help win over other people who are on the fence or who haven’t found the courage to speak up for themselves.

5. Choose your battles carefully.

We would like to reiterate: choose your battles carefully.

Yes, there are many unjust and unfair actions in the world. Don’t for a moment think that if you stand up for what’s right that the world is going to be fair and just and side with you.

You can end up losing a lot by trying to do the right thing.

Use your best judgment and really consider if this is a battle that you want to take up.

Also, consider the ramifications of losing or stale-mating the battle as well.

You may stand up, push hard, and get met with an equal amount of resistance, which can also mess up your personal or professional life.

There is much to lose and not always a lot to gain.

By all means, stand up for what it is right if you feel you must, but it’s okay if you don’t too.

It’s also okay to wait for a better opportunity to have a more significant impact.

You may also like:

• Why Integrity Is So Important In Life (+ How To Show Yours)
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• Are You Losing Faith In Humanity? Here’s How To Restore It.
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About The Author

Jack Nollan is a mental health writer of 10 years who pairs lived experience with evidence-based information to provide perspectives from the side of the mental health consumer. Jack has lived with Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar-depression for almost 30 years. With hands-on experience as the facilitator of a mental health support group, Jack has a firm grasp of the wide range of struggles people face when their mind is not in the healthiest of places. Jack is an activist who is passionate about helping disadvantaged people find a better path.

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Freedom of Speech — Standing Up for What is Right

Standing Up for What is Right

• Categories: Courage Freedom of Speech

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Published: Aug 24, 2023

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Defining moral courage, the importance of speaking out, navigating ethical dilemmas, upholding human rights and social justice, countering opposition and criticism, inspiring positive change, maintaining personal integrity.

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Stand for what is right, even if it means standing alone.

• Post author: Heather
• Post published: August 30, 2022
• Post category: Quotes
• Reading time: 4 mins read

Have you ever been in a situation where you witnessed something wrong, but didn’t say anything? Maybe in school, you saw someone being bullied but you didn’t speak up. Or maybe at a restaurant, someone was treating a waiter poorly. Or perhaps the person in front of you at the grocery store was speaking to the checkout lady rudely.

Coined by Suzy Kassem in her collection of works: Rise Up and Salute the Sun: The Writings of Suzy Kassem . This quote speaks to how strong our need to fit in is.

As human beings, it’s our tendency to seek acceptance and avoid rejection. After all, if our ancestors were rejected by their tribe, it meant death. We relied on one another and on our community to survive, and without the support of our tribe, we were weak against the forces of nature, often leading to death.

Because our primal tendency is to seek acceptance, we often go against our personal beliefs and values in an attempt to avoid rejection and loneliness. This creates an inner conflict within ourselves. Thus, standing up for what is right, especially if it means standing alone, feels extremely uncomfortable.

Why Should You Stand Up For What Is Right?

1. It builds respect. It’s not easy to stand up for what is right. But deep down, we all know that it is the higher path. When you stand up for what is right, even if it means taking the harder route, you gain respect for yourself and from others. Many people know what is right, but they fear rejection, don’t have the confidence, or aren’t courageous enough to take the right action. When they see you do the difficult thing, not only will they respect you even more, but they will also be inspired to stand up for what is right themselves.

2. It builds confidence. Even if no one else sees you stand up for what is right, when you stand up for what you believe in rather than doing what is convenient, you show yourself that you are a strong, good, and independent person. This simple decision recreates the image you have of yourself and builds your confidence.

3. It helps you discover who you are. Standing up for what is right, especially when it means being alone, teaches you about what you would do in hardship. It’s easy to think you might take the higher road or always do good, but when it comes down to it, you never know how you will act in a difficult situation.

Standing alone can be scary and uncomfortable. So how can you release the fear of standing alone?

1. Let go of your fears of rejection. Even though it feels like people might judge you, remember that they are more concerned with what’s going on in their life. We often exaggerate situations in our mind, and think everyone is talking about us, judging us, or mocking us, when in reality, no one really cares (in a good way)! So, relax, and just do YOU.

2. Keep doing it. The more you do something, the easier it gets. And the more you stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult, the easier and less scary it gets! Soon enough, you won’t think about it twice! And as a bonus, you will be building your confidence along the way.

3. Trust in good. Trust that good always wins, and by standing up for what is right, you will get back that good. The more you can trust in the knowing that the good will come back to you, the more you will see evidence of it in your life! After all, this is the foundation of the law of attraction!

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The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone.

Worrying will never change the outcome.

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How to Stand Up for Something You Believe In

Last Updated: July 24, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Mary Church, PhD . Dr. Mary Church is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Honolulu, Hawaii. With over a decade of clinical experience, she aims to integrate evolution, genetics, and neuroscience within the practice of psychotherapy. Dr. Church holds a BS in Psychology from Eckerd College and an MS and PhD in Experimental Psychology from The University of Memphis. She completed a Post-Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The University of Hawaii at Manoa. In addition, Dr. Church is a member of the American Evaluation Association and Hawaii-Pacific Evaluation Association. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 150,183 times.

Standing up for what you believe in is an essential life skill. By asserting yourself, you are actively taking charge of your life. Asserting yourself can be scary, though, since you may be afraid of offending people or standing out from a crowd. By truly knowing yourself and your convictions, however, you will be able to find the courage to be your true self and stand up to make a difference for yourself or others. Once you’re ready to take a stand, you can do it through your actions, words, or a combination of the two.

Putting Your Convictions into Action

• Part of being courageous is picking a side. It's hard to act in the moment if you don't know what you stand for. For instance, if you don't know whether you're for or against an issue, such as spending taxpayer money on animal welfare, you may find yourself not wanting to speak up in conversation because you're on the fence. However, if you know where you stand, you'll be more inclined to speak about it.
• Other people may disagree with you, so be prepared to stand your ground no matter what others think.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes, you'll lean on others to find your courage, and that's okay. The more people you have behind you, the braver you'll feel.
• Focus on who you'll be helping. Often, when you're standing up for what you believe in, you're doing so to help others. Focusing on how they will benefit can help you feel more courageous.

• For instance, you may need to step in when you see someone being bullied. Try to stop the bullying in its tracks by interrupting what the person is saying or by trying to separate the bully from the victim. If you're a kid, don't be afraid to ask an adult to help. Also, make sure the person is okay, mentally and physically. Get the person help if they need it. [4] X Trustworthy Source StopBullying.gov Website run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services providing information related to identifying and preventing bullying Go to source

• Standing up for someone may make you a target. If you stop a bully, the bully may turn their attention to you.
• When people challenge your belief, they are testing it. If you back down, then they will see it as a weakness in your position.

• Suppose you are out with some male friends and one of them makes a derogatory comment about an attractive woman nearby. You can ignore it or choose to take a stand. Ask your friend, “Is that how you try to get dates?” or “How would you like if I talked to your sister like that?”
• By not ignoring behavior you find troubling, you can help spark conversation and possibly accelerate change.
• Remember that silence is its own position. When you are silent, you give your approval for what's happening. When there is a conflict around you, if you stay silent, people will think you agree with the status quo. [7] X Research source

• If you go against your beliefs, eventually your self-worth will suffer because you aren't being true to yourself. You'll have higher self-esteem if you live according to your own values.
• Don't let situations compromise your values. For instance, if you are in a job that asks you to do things that go against your personal values, you may need to find a new job.

• First of all, it's fine to state your beliefs. You have a right to believe what you want to believe, even if it conflicts with what people near you believe. When you do state what you believe, make sure you do so calmly and have facts to back up what you say. That way, you can answer questions. In addition, try not to go into the discussion with the mindset of "winning." It should be a conversation, with both of you giving and taking.
• When discussing your beliefs, your goal should be to have your voice heard rather than to "win" an argument or change the other person's beliefs or actions.
• If the person is willing to discuss it with you, particularly if the person is on the fence, present your case for your side in a clear, logical way. Also, be willing to listen to what the other person has to say. That means actually hearing their side and concerns, not just preparing a counterargument. As you discuss, make it a point to try to find things that you both agree on. Often, you'll find common ground somewhere.
• If the discussion gets heated, decide if you want to get in a fight over it. You've stated what you believe, so getting in an argument will likely not resolve anything or change the person's mind. You may just want to back out of the discussion by saying, "Let's agree to disagree." You don't have to permanently damage a relationship just because you disagree with someone. On the other hand, if you disagree with someone on many core values, you may find you want to spend less time with them.

Using Different Channels to Make Your Voice Heard

• For example, maybe you believe that education should be a right for all. You've heard that your city is talking about taking more money away from education. You can show up to town meetings that are aimed at discussing the issue and present what your thoughts.
• Be clear in your presentation and don’t beat around the bush. Say what you want clearly and concisely. [11] X Research source
• Others may be unwilling to speak up on something, but they may be inspired if they see you take action first.

• All of these people represent you, so you have a right to make your point heard. Express your point simply but completely, and keep the focus on your primary topic.
• For instance, say your city is starting a new project that you think is a complete waste of taxpayer money. You can write your mayor to tell them how you feel about it.
• A letter is sometimes more effective, but you can also contact your representatives through email or phone, if you prefer.

• A podcast is an audio recording available through online and mobile channels that's updated regularly. Like a blog, you can focus on whatever issues you want.
• One key to creating a blog or podcast is to update regularly. Most readers/listeners will want regular updates.
• You can share your blog on your social network to start gaining followers.

• Advocacy groups are available for all types of issues, such as environmental groups or human rights organizations. If, for example, you have decided not to experiment with drugs or alcohol while in high school, you may benefit from joining a drug-free teen group.
• Check local organizations that support nonprofits in your area, as you'll find lots of places where you can put your beliefs into action. You can also use social media to find groups in your area, as well as the internet. Your local library may also be able to connect you with advocacy groups.
• You can also ask people you know who have similar beliefs. Often, they may already be involved in these groups, and they can help get you involved, too.

• Try galvanizing efforts on social media. You can organize meetings, online or offline, to take action together, or you can use social media to spread information about your cause by writing informational posts.
• Start a petition . Online petitions are a great way to gather signatures for a cause. You can use social media to spread the word.

Preparing to Take Action

• Try to narrow down to five core beliefs. These beliefs are the ones that you absolutely cannot live without. If you're having trouble deciding, look at what you put first in your life. If you place friends and family above all else, then the importance of relationships is likely a core value for you. On the other hand, maybe you've chosen a more solitary life so you can see the world. In that case, maybe independence and boldness are two of your core values.
• You might also look to your greatest accomplishments and the people you admire to figure out your core values. [15] X Research source

• For a community issue, it's important to research to learn more. Read articles and talk with those in your area to learn more about each issue.

• That means it's important to look at information from both sides of the table. Of course, you still want that information to be legitimate. Don't go for spammy sites. Rather, stick to well-trusted sites, such as .gov or .edu sites that use facts and statistics to back up their claims.
• Also, always think about who is sponsoring the information you're viewing. If they are on one side of the issue, the information could very well be skewed.

• It's important to consider two things when deciding whether you should wade in. One, you should consider whether the situation is so disturbing to you that you feel like you must speak up. If it is, you likely want to take a stand.
• Two, think about your relationship with the person. If the person has authority over you, such as a boss, teacher, or cop, you may decide that the battle isn't worth what it will cost you. Similarly, when you're considering entering an argument with someone you're close to, you should weigh whether the cost to the relationship is worth defending your beliefs.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/quiet-the-power-introverts/201506/how-be-courageous
• ↑ Mary Church, PhD. Research & Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 6 August 2021.
• ↑ https://www.stopbullying.gov/respond/on-the-spot/index.html
• ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conviction
• ↑ https://www.upworthy.com/this-movement-wants-guys-to-take-a-stand-when-women-face-verbal-harassment
• ↑ https://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/5-reasons-you-should-speak-up-even-when-you-think-you-shouldnt.html
• ↑ https://thoughtcatalog.com/corinda-katz/2014/05/6-things-you-should-never-sacrifice-for-the-sake-of-being-cool/
• ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/family-conflict
• ↑ https://www.riskology.co/how-to-take-a-stand-and-change-the-world/
• ↑ https://www.writeexpress.com/How-to-Write-a-Letter-to-Congress.html
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomwatson/2013/05/12/mom-bloggers-build-a-network-for-activism-and-change/#468af480293c
• ↑ https://www.webmd.com/parenting/teens-take-stand-drugs
• ↑ https://jamesclear.com/core-values
• ↑ https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/standing-up-for-your-people.htm
• ↑ https://medium.com/@SeanBlanda/the-other-side-is-not-dumb-2670c1294063#.plumri2ux
• ↑ https://lifehacker.com/how-to-choose-your-battles-and-fight-for-what-actually-5989295

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Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Up for What’s Right

• Carmen Acton

How to speak out when you witness a bias at work.

Blind spots refer to the biases that are unknown to you but may become apparent to others around you. However, when you notice someone’s blind spot, it can be hard to speak up and confront them. Here are three strategies that can help.

• Start a dialogue with the colleague who expressed their bias with the intent to deepen your relationship and connection. Lead the conversation with a sense of curiosity, not judgment, and nudge them to do better.
• Share your point of view. The best way to do that is by using first-person or “I” statements. When you shift focus to a personal statement, it makes people less defensive and more open to addressing the bias.
• Show vulnerability. When you engage with a peer, be willing to share your own weaknesses and blind spots because no one is infallible.

My first stint as a manager was in the safety engineering department of an energy company. I was the youngest of three supervisors, and a few months in, I found myself sequestered in a brightly lit conference room with my manager and two peers for a team appraisal meeting.

• Carmen Acton , MBA, PCC, is a  Leadership Impact Coach and Process Consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Carmen has worked in a succession of corporate leadership roles in a variety of disciplines ranging from Safety Engineering to Employee and Leadership Development. She has worked with clients in the oil and gas, food and beverage, technology, and health care sectors, to name a few. Her passion is helping clients elevate their leadership capabilities by sparking insights and actions that matter. She works with motivated, high-potential leaders to fully embrace humanity while elevating leadership and business performance in a complex world.

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